Mastering the Jameson Old Fashioned: An Irish Whiskey Classic
Experience a delightful and simple twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail with Jameson Irish Whiskey. This recipe delivers a surprisingly smooth and satisfying drink, blending the unique character of Irish whiskey with classic bitters, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of soda. It’s the perfect way to elevate your happy hour and unwind after a long day.
Life can be demanding, filled with endless tasks, from coordinating big projects to the overwhelming process of moving, which can sometimes feel like an annual tradition. (Trust me, I know the feeling of packing what feels like “10 million boxes” and questioning how one accumulates so much stuff!). In those moments, when your back aches and your mind races, a perfectly crafted cocktail can be nothing short of a godsend.
This Jameson Old Fashioned isn’t just any drink; it’s a testament to the power of a well-balanced classic, providing a moment of smooth, flavorful respite. While my kitchen might currently be buried under a mountain of packing paper and my pans are still in boxes, the bar cart remains accessible – and for good reason! Sometimes, a classic cocktail is exactly what you need to toast to making it through the day, or better yet, to kick off the freakin’ weekend. And honestly, for a busy food blogger, sometimes cocktails are the only recipes that don’t require unpacking a whole prop room!
Note: This content has been updated and expanded from its original publication on October 5th, 2015, to provide even more detail and helpful tips for crafting this exquisite cocktail.
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About This Jameson Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is undeniably one of the most iconic and beloved cocktails, a true testament to timeless mixology. Its simplicity allows the base spirit to shine, and when that spirit is Irish whiskey, particularly Jameson, it introduces a wonderfully smooth and approachable character that truly elevates the classic. This Jameson Old Fashioned is perfectly balanced, delivering a delicious experience with every sip.
Unlike its Bourbon or Rye counterparts, which often bring a bolder, spicier, or sweeter profile, Jameson Irish Whiskey offers a unique smoothness due to its triple distillation. This process results in a lighter, more delicate spirit with subtle notes of vanilla, honey, and a hint of fruit. When combined with the traditional elements of an Old Fashioned – sugar, bitters, and a touch of water – the Irish whiskey doesn’t fight for attention but rather harmonizes beautifully, creating a cocktail that is incredibly easy to drink yet full of depth. For those who appreciate a less aggressive whiskey flavor or are new to whiskey cocktails, this Irish Old Fashioned is an exceptional choice. It’s truly a perfectly balanced and tasty concoction, especially welcome after a taxing day.
Ingredients for a Classic Irish Old Fashioned
Crafting the perfect Jameson Old Fashioned requires just a few high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Jameson Irish Whiskey: This is, of course, the star of our show! Jameson is renowned for its smooth, triple-distilled character, offering a mellow flavor profile with hints of nuts, vanilla, and sweet sherry. It’s approachable yet complex, making it an excellent base for this cocktail. While Jameson is the classic choice here, feel free to experiment with other quality Irish whiskeys if you have a personal favorite that you think would complement the drink.
- Sugar Cube (or Simple Syrup): The sugar is crucial for balancing the whiskey and bitters. A classic Old Fashioned traditionally uses a sugar cube, which is muddled with bitters and a splash of liquid to create a sweet base. If you don’t have sugar cubes on hand or prefer a quicker dissolve, you can easily substitute with 1/2 ounce of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and hot water, stirred until dissolved and cooled). This ensures consistent sweetness and a smoother texture.
- Angostura Bitters: A foundational ingredient in countless cocktails, Angostura bitters are indispensable for an Old Fashioned. These concentrated aromatic bitters add complexity, depth, and a subtle spice, binding the flavors together and preventing the drink from being one-dimensional. Keep a bottle on your bar cart – it’s a must-have! For a slight variation, you could also try orange bitters to highlight citrus notes.
- Club Soda (or Soda Water): You only need a small splash of club soda. Its purpose is twofold: it helps to dissolve the sugar cube when muddling and adds a very slight effervescence and dilution, opening up the whiskey’s flavors without watering it down excessively. Some purists prefer to omit it entirely, relying solely on a large ice cube for chilling and minimal dilution. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Garnish: Orange Peel: The orange peel isn’t just for aesthetics; expressing its oils over the drink adds a vital aromatic component that perfectly complements the whiskey.
Love trying out new Jameson drinks? Explore more fantastic Jameson cocktails like these: Jameson and Ginger | Jameson Manhattan | Irish Mule
This Recipe’s Must-Haves: Essential Bar Tools
Having the right tools can make all the difference in crafting a superior cocktail. For an Old Fashioned, these key pieces of equipment will ensure a perfect drink every time:
- Muddler: A high-quality muddler is essential for properly dissolving the sugar cube and extracting the aromatics. I particularly love using a stainless steel muddler. While wooden ones are classic, stainless steel is incredibly easy to clean and just as effective, especially when dealing with sticky sugar or fruit. No more struggling with fruit bits stuck in wood grooves!
- Rocks Glasses: Also known as Old Fashioned glasses, these short, wide tumblers are perfect for serving this cocktail. Their design is ideal for drinks served neat or on the rocks, allowing for ample ice and easy stirring.
- Sphere Ice Molds: If you don’t already own Tovolo Sphere Ice Molds, I highly recommend them! The large spherical ice melts much slower than standard ice cubes, preventing your drink from becoming watered down too quickly. Plus, the elegant look of a large ice sphere instantly elevates any cocktail.
- Cocktail Stirring Spoons: A long-handled cocktail spoon is ideal for gently stirring the ingredients together in your rocks glass. This ensures proper mixing and chilling without over-diluting the drink, which can happen with excessive shaking.
Here’s How to Make a Jameson Old Fashioned
Crafting this classic cocktail is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced Jameson Old Fashioned:
Muddle the Base
Begin by placing one sugar cube into a double old fashioned or rocks glass. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube (you can also experiment with a couple dashes of orange bitters for a citrusy twist). Follow this with a small splash of club soda. Using your muddler, gently press and twist the sugar cube until it fully dissolves into a paste with the bitters and soda. This creates the foundational layer of sweetness and aromatic complexity for your cocktail.
Add Whiskey and Garnish
Once your sugar is dissolved, add a large ice cube to the glass. A single, large ice sphere or cube is ideal as it melts slower, minimizing dilution. Then, pour in your Jameson Irish Whiskey. Give everything a final, gentle stir with a cocktail stirring spoon to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled. Garnish with a fresh orange peel. To enhance the aromatics, you can express the oils from the orange peel by twisting it over the drink before dropping it in or rubbing it along the rim. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success: Crafting the Perfect Irish Old Fashioned
While the Jameson Old Fashioned is a simple cocktail, a few expert tips can elevate your drink from good to truly exceptional:
- Embrace Large Ice: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Using a large ice cube or sphere significantly slows down dilution, meaning your drink stays perfectly chilled and full-flavored for longer. Smaller ice cubes melt rapidly, quickly watering down your carefully crafted cocktail. Consider chilling your rocks glass beforehand too for an even colder start!
- Experiment with Bitters: Angostura bitters are standard, but don’t be afraid to change things up! Orange bitters will lend a brighter, more citrusy aroma, while smoked orange bitters can add a wonderfully complex, smoky depth that complements the whiskey beautifully. A dash of chocolate bitters could even introduce a rich, decadent nuance.
- Try Jameson Orange for a Zesty Twist: For those who love an extra touch of citrus, consider using Jameson Orange. This flavored Irish whiskey is a fantastic match for an Old Fashioned, naturally infusing the drink with bright orange notes. It’s an effortless way to switch up the classic combination and offers a delicious alternative without needing additional orange liqueur. (No, this isn’t sponsored, just a genuine recommendation for a fun option to try out!)
- Perfect Your Garnish: An orange peel isn’t just decoration. To maximize its impact, express the oils by gently twisting the peel over the drink. You’ll see a fine mist of aromatic oils release, adding a layer of fresh citrus to the cocktail’s nose and palate. A Luxardo maraschino cherry can also make a beautiful and flavorful addition, offering a touch of sweetness and a rich, fruity note.
- Sweetener Variations: While a sugar cube is traditional, simple syrup offers a consistent sweetness and is easier to incorporate. You can also make a demerara simple syrup for a richer, more caramel-like sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with whiskey.
More tasty Jameson whiskey cocktails to try: Jameson Whiskey Sour | Jameson and Ginger | Jameson Manhattan | Sparkling Whiskey Sour
What to Serve with an Irish Old Fashioned
A sophisticated cocktail like the Jameson Old Fashioned deserves equally delightful accompaniments. Whether you’re planning a full Irish-themed meal or just looking for some elegant bar bites, here are some ideas to pair perfectly with your smooth Irish whiskey drink:
For an authentic Irish experience, consider these hearty and flavorful options:
- Irish Corned Beef Reuben Wrap: A lighter, yet still incredibly satisfying, take on a classic Reuben. The savory corned beef and tangy sauerkraut will beautifully complement the whiskey’s subtle sweetness.
- Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew: If you’re craving something comforting and substantial, this shortcut stew delivers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional Irish beef stew in a fraction of the time. It’s a fantastic main course to precede your cocktail.
- Corned Beef Poutine: For a truly indulgent snack, this poutine combines crispy fries, rich gravy, cheese curds, and savory corned beef. The robust flavors stand up wonderfully to the Old Fashioned.
- Beer Battered Fish and Chips: A beloved staple from Ireland (and many other places!), homemade beer-battered fish and chips offer a delightful contrast of crispy and tender, perfectly matched with the smooth cocktail.
Beyond the Irish theme, an Old Fashioned pairs well with a variety of rich, savory, and even slightly sweet appetizers that can hold their own against the whiskey’s depth:
- Charcuterie Board: Offer a selection of aged cheeses, cured meats, crusty bread, olives, and fig jam. The diverse textures and flavors provide endless pairing possibilities.
- Smoked Salmon Blinis: Delicate blinis topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and a sprig of dill create a light yet luxurious bite.
- Miniature Beef Wellingtons or Savory Tartlets: Small, rich pastries with meaty or cheesy fillings are always a hit.
- Dark Chocolate Desserts: For a sweet finish, a rich dark chocolate mousse or a small piece of bittersweet chocolate can surprisingly enhance the whiskey’s undertones.
Explore more on the rocks cocktails to broaden your palate and discover new libations to fall in love with!
Finally, if you craft this delicious Irish Whiskey Old Fashioned, please don’t hesitate to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment below! Your feedback is invaluable, and I truly love hearing about your experiences with my recipes. Feel free to ask any questions you might have – I make sure to respond to every single comment.
And for an extra treat, be sure to tag me on Instagram if you share a photo of your cocktail! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I cherish looking through all your wonderful photos. It genuinely means the world to me!
Jameson Old Fashioned Recipe Card
Equipment
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Cocktail Stirring Spoons
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Rocks Glasses
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Sphere Ice Molds
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Jameson Irish whiskey
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- Splash club soda
- Garnish: orange peel
Instructions
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In a rocks glass, muddle together the sugar cube, angostura bitters and splash of club soda until sugar is dissolved.
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Add desired ice (I prefer an extra large ice cube or sphere) and fill with whiskey.
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Give everything a final stir and garnish with an orange peel. Serve immediately.
Notes